Boxer Amir Khan and Wakefield charity in refugee mercy mission

Boxer Amir Khan has joined forces with a Wakefield based humanitarian charity to lead a mercy mission to Greece to help refugees.

The Amir Khan Foundation and the Penny Appeal, which is located on Wood Street, have teamed up to distribute vital aid to surviving refugees arriving at Athens and Lesbos.

Thousands of refugees fleeing from conflict are arriving on the island of Lesbos and the Greek capital daily. The Penny Appeal, with the support of the boxer’s foundation, set up an emergency campaign allowing people to donate money and goods to help the survivors.

Response to a four-day call for goods, such as clothing, shoes, hygiene essentials and sleeping bags, has been phenomenal. Enough has been donated to fill more than six vehicles.

The convoy set off from Mr Khan’s home town of Bolton on Tuesday on a 2,000-mile trip to Athens. It is expected to arrive today.

The two-time light welterweight champion will assist in handing out items directly to refugees in a carefully coordinated distribution scheme in Athens and on the island of Lesbos.

Mr Khan said: “It’s heartbreaking to see images of children losing their lives as their families flee from devastating conflict. What’s even more disturbing is knowing that many more lives will be lost unless we provide urgent aid to these refugees who are isolated and in desperate need. This convoy is a great way for everyone to do something to help.”

Adeem Younis, chair of trustees at Penny Appeal, said: “The amount of donations coming in has been staggering, with people from all over the UK getting involved to help.”

You can still make a donation by visiting www.pennyappeal.org/appeal/refugee-emergency-amir-khan.